Associate of Applied Science
in Water Quality Management
Technology
Red Rocks Community College’s Associate of
Applied Science (AAS) degree in Water Quality
Management Technology (WQM) is a two-year
full-time program.
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Water Quality Management Technology requires 62 credit hours.
WQM also has eight stackable, discipline-specific certificates based on course combinations and enrollment.
Students can take certifcate courses in lieu of or in
addition to seeking a degree. The WQM program works
closely with the Environmental Protection Agency and
the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The program also follows the national Association
of Boards of Certification knowledge criteria to ensure
that students obtain the skills and knowledge needed for
all careers within the industry.
Academic courses include hands-on training in water,
wastewater, and industrial treatment and water distribution and wastewater collection systems. WQM is a
technical science program that includes math, chemistry
and microbiology. Grants from the National Science
Foundation and the TAA-Department of Labor funded
the development, redesign and adaptation of many
WQM courses for hybrid and distance learning. Check
the semester schedule for online course offerings.
Past related work experience can be applied towards
your degree in some cases. If you are interested in
learning more about CPLs (Credit for Prior Learning),
visit http://www.rrcc.edu/assessment/credit-for-prior-learning or contact the department at 303-914-6121.
You are held to the graduation requirements of the
academic catalog you begin under. Changes to the
curriculum while enrolled will not affect your degree
requirements. Satisfactory completion, grade of C or
higher, is mandatory for all core WQM and certificate
coursework.
updated 4/15
Water Quality Management
Funded in part by the National Science
Foundation and TAA-Department of Labor
Required Core AAS Courses Specific to the WQM
Program (34 credits)*
WQM 100 Introduction to Water Quality
WQM 105 Specific Calculations
WQM 119 Quality Basic Water Analysis
WQM 120 Equipment Maintenance
WQM 126 Safety and Security Systems
WQM 200 Hydraulics
WQM 206 Design Interpretations
WQM 216 Biological and Bacteriological Analysis
WQM 217 Disinfection Techniques
Total 34 Credits
AAS Required General Education Courses for the
WQM Program (16 credits)
ENG 121 – English Comprehension,
ENG 131 – Technical Writing, OR
COM 125 – Interpersonal Communication 3 credits
MAT 107 – Career Math OR
MA T 121 – College Algebra–or higher to transfer
(Recommended) 3 credits
BUS 121 – Basic Workplace Skills 1 credit
GIS 101 – Introduction to Geographic Information
Systems 3 credits
Natural& Physical Science course 3 credit minimum
Any other Arts & Humanities OR Social & Behavioral
Science course 3 credits*
*Two courses must be from different groups
Total 16 credits (Minimum)
www.rrcc.edu/water-quality-management • 303-914-6121
Lakewood Campus 13300 West Sixth Avenue • Lakewood, CO 80228
more...
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Approved Elective Courses Specific to the WQM Program (12 credits)
(Applied Science courses can be substituted for WQM electives with Department
Chair approval.)
WQM 109 Distribution Systems*
WQM 118 Wastewater Collection Systems*
WQM 121 Environmental Sampling and Volume Measurement
WQM 122 Instrumentation and Electrical Control
WQM 123 Reuse Systems
WQM 124 C and D Review for Water Treatment *
WQM 125 C and D Review for Wastewater Treatment *
WQM 130 Water Chemistry
WQM 131 Solids Waste Management
WQM 150 Troubleshooting
WQM 169 International Development
WQM 207 Activated Sludge Systems
WQM 212 Drinking Water Regulations
WQM 224 A and B Review for Water Treatment *
WQM 225 A and B Review for Wastewater Treatment *
WQM 230 Industrial Treatment and Monitoring
WQM 280 Internships
WQM 285 Independent Study
Total 12 Credits
*Certificate courses strongly recommended for State of Colorado Water/Wastewater Operator
License prep. Students are encouraged to pursue as many discipline licenses as possible.
TOTAL Credits for the degree: 62
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1104271. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations
expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the
views of the National Science Foundation.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment
and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect
the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor make no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information,
including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or
its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.
Red Rocks Community College is committed to diversity in its people and programs. The College is
an equal opportunity educational institution which prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment including those that violate federal and state law, or the State Board for Community Colleges
and Occupational Education Board Policies 3-120 and/or 4-120. The College does not discriminate on
the basis of race, creed, color, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion,
age, national origin or ancestry, pregnancy status, veteran’s status, genetic information, physical and/
or mental disability or any other category protected by applicable law in its employment practices or
education programs. Red Rocks Community College will take appropriate steps to ensure that the lack
of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and/or participation in vocational education
programs.
The College has designated Dr. Bill Dial, Executive Director of Human Resources as its Affirmative
Action Officer/Title IX Administrator/Equal Opportunity Administrator with the responsibility to coordinate its civil rights compliance activities and grievance procedures. For information, contact: Dr.
Bill Dial, Executive Director of Human Resources, Title IX Administrator, Title VII/Equal Opportunity
Administrator, ADA/Section 504 Administrator, PO Box 17, 13300 West Sixth Avenue, Lakewood, CO
80228-1255. Telephone: 303.914.6298. Email: bill.dial@rrcc.edu
www.rrcc.edu/water-quality-management • 303-914-6121
Lakewood Campus 13300 West Sixth Avenue • Lakewood, CO 80228
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